GMO GlobalSign Holdings Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Mitsuru Aoyama, hereinafter “GMO GlobalSign HD”) has deployed its service “GMO Sign Kaikaku DX Electronic Official Seal” (hereinafter “GMO Sign Electronic Official Seal”)—designed to support the digitalization of executive signatures for ordinance promulgation (※1)—to Nara Prefecture (Governor: Shin Yamashita) in July 2026.

The “GMO Sign Electronic Official Seal” is a service fully compliant with digitalizing executive signatures in ordinance promulgation (※2), using official-duty electronic certificates issued by a certified electronic certification authority. This enables Nara Prefecture to digitize the governor’s signature required for ordinance promulgation, advancing administrative efficiency and establishing a system to swiftly and reliably promulgate ordinances even when the governor cannot access the office due to disasters.

(※1) Notification from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications: “Amendments to the Local Autonomy Act under the Act on Systematization of Laws Related to Advancing Reforms to Enhance Regional Autonomy and Independence”｜https://www.soumu.go.jp/main_content/001009459.pdf

On May 16, 2025, amendments to the Local Autonomy Act allowed heads of ordinary local public entities to use “measures replacing signatures as defined by MIAI ordinance” (Article 16, Paragraph 4). Subsequent revisions to the Enforcement Regulations of the Local Autonomy Act and the Enforcement Regulations of the Special Measures Law for Municipal Mergers explicitly defined these signature-replacing measures as electronic signatures under the Electronic Signature Act.

(※2) Press Release｜https://www.gmogshd.com/news/news-15526

【Background and Selection Rationale】

The revised Local Autonomy Act, effective May 2025, enables digitalization of executive signatures in ordinance promulgation. Given the ability to respond rapidly even during disasters, interest and expectations are rising among municipalities nationwide. However, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications emphasizes that even with electronic signatures, the executive must personally perform the action, making strict evidentiary strength and identity assurance essential requirements.

Evaluation of “Direct-Party Electronic Signature” Meeting MIAI Requirements

Nara Prefecture had already adopted and used “third-party (provider-type) electronic signatures” for electronic contracts (digitalization of contract documents). However, recognizing that the “GMO Sign Electronic Official Seal” meets the Ministry’s stringent requirements for ordinance promulgation, the prefecture newly selected the service and adopted direct-party electronic signatures.

Due to its nature, ordinance promulgation requires the executive to sign personally. The direct-party electronic signature used by “GMO Sign Electronic Official Seal” issues official-duty electronic certificates after rigorous review by Japan’s top-tier certification authority, “GlobalSign.” This robustly proves that the executive personally performed the signing action, aligning with the Ministry’s requirements for proper operation.

By utilizing this service, Nara Prefecture will advance the efficiency of administrative operations related to ordinance promulgation and establish an operational system capable of continuing essential services for residents even during disasters.

【About “GMO Sign Kaikaku DX Electronic Official Seal”】 (URL: https://www.gmosign.com/e_delivery/)

“GMO Sign Electronic Official Seal” replaces the official seals previously used in government agencies for disposition notices, enabling digitalization of approval, signing, delivery, and management through remote signing using official-duty electronic certificates. While maintaining security and reliability, it significantly reduces time and cost associated with delivering disposition notices.

The service complies with the “Basic Concept for Digitalization of Disposition Notices” issued by the Digital Agency in Reiwa 5, and has obtained international security certifications from third-party organizations (ISMAP, SOC2 Type2, ISO27001, ISO27017), earning high recognition for its security. Additionally, it is registered with LGWAN-ASP and can integrate with core systems used by municipalities, enabling local governments to confidently initiate digitalization of disposition notices.

Currently, the service is adopted by 26 municipalities, including 13 prefectures and designated cities. (※3)

(※3) As of end of June 2026

【About GMO GlobalSign Holdings Co., Ltd.】

GMO GlobalSign HD is an IT security company providing “safety” and “trust” for internet and digital transactions.

Operating Japan’s top-tier certification authority “GlobalSign,” it provides electronic certification and digital signature technologies to government agencies and enterprises in 11 countries worldwide. Furthermore, it delivers “GMO Sign Electronic Seal,” Japan’s No.1 electronic contract service (※4), to corporations and municipalities, supporting secure social infrastructure.

Moving forward, the company plans to globally expand safer and more user-friendly services by developing and providing authentication technologies compatible with advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, and blockchain, as well as the quantum computing era. Aiming to support digital society growth, it strives to combine “trusted authentication” with “high cost-performance.”

(※4) Cumulative number of contracts sent with electronic signatures and timestamps under the Electronic Signature Act (excluding timestamp-only contracts; targeting major third-party electronic signature services). Survey by GMO Research & AI Co., Ltd. (December 2024)

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【Service Inquiries】

● GMO GlobalSign Holdings Co., Ltd.

Digital Government Support Office

Inquiry: https://www.gmosign.com/form/go_dx/

【GMO GlobalSign Holdings Co., Ltd.】 (URL: https://www.gmogshd.com/)

Company Name: GMO GlobalSign Holdings Co., Ltd.

(Tokyo Prime Market Stock Code: 3788)

Headquarters: Cerulean Tower, 26-1 Sakuragaokacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Representative: President & CEO Mitsuru Aoyama

Business: ■ Electronic Certification & Seal Business

Cloud Infrastructure Business

DX Business

Capital: 916.9 million JPY

【GMO Internet Group Co., Ltd.】 (URL: https://group.gmo/)

Company Name: GMO Internet Group Co., Ltd.

(Tokyo Prime Market Stock Code: 9449)

Headquarters: Cerulean Tower, 26-1 Sakuragaokacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Representative: Group Representative & CEO Masatoshi Kumagai

Business: Holding company (Group management functions)

Group Business Areas

Internet Infrastructure

Internet Security

Internet Advertising & Media

Internet Financial Services

Cryptocurrency Business

Capital: 5 billion JPY

*Company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Copyright (C) 2026 GMO GlobalSign Holdings K.K. All Rights Reserved.

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: New Product